Visions have always been a powerful way through which God communicates with His people. Some visions are direct and clear, while others are symbolic and need interpretation. In both cases, they are a beautiful invitation to draw nearer to God.
Direct Visions: When God Speaks Clearly
Sometimes, God gives us visions that are straightforward and require no explanation. A wonderful example of this is seen in Acts 16:
“During the night Paul had a vision; there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.”
(Acts 16:9-10)
Here, Paul received a direct message from God through a vision, and he obeyed it promptly. Such visions are unmistakable in their meaning and often lead to immediate action.
Symbolic Visions: When Meaning Must Be Revealed
In contrast, symbolic visions contain imagery that requires interpretation. The Book of Revelation is filled with such visions. Take this passage, for example:
“Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands… the seven lampstands are the seven churches.”
(Revelation 1:12-13, 20)
John saw golden lampstands, which symbolized the seven churches. Jesus Himself provided the interpretation, showing us that understanding symbols in visions requires divine help.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Interpretation
We must never try to interpret visions through human wisdom alone. As 2 Peter 1:20-21 reminds us:
“…no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”
The interpretation of visions comes only through the Spirit of God. When we receive symbolic messages, we must seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance with a prayerful heart.
How Does God Reveal Interpretation?
When God chooses to give a vision, He also desires to provide its meaning—but often, we must ask. The story of King Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel is a beautiful illustration of this. When the king had a troubling dream, Daniel and his friends prayed to God for the interpretation. God answered through a night vision.
“I thank and praise You, for You have given me wisdom and power, and have now revealed to me what we asked of You.”
(Daniel 2:23)
Even Daniel, blessed with wisdom, depended on God for understanding. This humility and dependence delight the Lord.
When the Vision Isn’t Immediately Understood
Daniel himself was troubled by a vision he didn’t initially understand:
“…I was dismayed by the vision and did not understand it.” (Daniel 8:27)
“Then I turned to the Lord God, to seek an answer… while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel… said to me, ‘Daniel, I have now come out to give you wisdom and understanding.’” (Daniel 9:3-24)
God honors those who seek Him. He rejoices when we lean on Him for understanding rather than relying on our own logic.
Conclusion: Keep Seeking, Keep Listening
God’s visions are gifts. Whether clear or symbolic, they are expressions of His desire to guide, comfort, and prepare us. Our response should always be one of humility, dependence, and sincere prayer.
Let us cultivate a heart that says, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening,” trusting that God will give wisdom and understanding through His Spirit in His perfect time.
